BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QL) is a concept which reflects the physical, social, and emotional attitudes and behaviours of an individual. QL assessment is becoming increasingly recognised as an outcome and predictor for cancer patients. Although hepatectomy has been widely accepted as treatment of choice to offer a chance of cure for patients with liver cancer, little is known about the subjective clinical results after this operation. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the Pre- and postoperative quality of life in patients with liver cancer.
METHODS: The quality of life of 36 consecutive patients was measured using gastrointestinal quality of life index (GQLI) regularly 2 years after the operation, starting with a preoperative measurement.
RESULTS: The score of mean preoperative GQLI was 106±13 points, and it was reduced significantly 2-10 weeks after the operation (86-98) (P<0.05-0.001). The quality of life recovered gradually. The GQLI score was 101±21 points 4 months after operation and increased to the preoperative level (P>0.05). In the patients who survived more than 9 months，the GQLI score was higher than that before the operation. Major hepatectomy (lobectomy and combined segmentectomy) reduced the GQLI score more evidently than did minor hepatectomy (simple segmentectomy) in 2-5 weeks after the operation (P<0.05). The age and preoperative liver function of the patients played an important role in the recovery of the quality of life in the early postoperative stage (P<0.05). The patients with tumor recurrence showed a continuous decrease of the quality of life (P<0.05-0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of the quality of life is meaningful for patients with liver cancer. Tumor recurrence, poor liver function and major operation are the most important factors for reducing the quality of life. Hepatic resection is justified by its effects on the survival and the quality of life of the patients.